VALEN- Atramont, finding himself conquered, addressed
TINE AND himself to Valentine, and said: ‘This savage man
0 is my conqueror, and there is some mystery in his
fate. Hasten to the castle of the giant Ferragus,
where, if you can conquer him, you will find a
brazen head, kept by a dwarf, that will explain to
you who this savage is. You will also be able to
set at liberty all the captives whom he keeps con-
fined in his dungeons.’
He then directed them on their way to the
giant’s castle; and after they had rested and
refreshed themselves, they took their departure.

CHAPTER IV

THEY had to pass over many a hill and valley, -
and through wild and trackless forests; at last
they came in view of the giant’s castle, to which
the entrance was by a bridge of brass. The build-
ing itself was of marble, and the battlements were
surmounted by golden pinnacles, which glittered
richly in the evening sun as the two brothers ap-
proached the castle. Beneath the bridge of brass
a hundred bells were fastened by a strange device,
so that neither man nor beast might pass over
without a loud alarm being given. The moment
the two travellers began to cross the bridge the
bells sounded, and immediately the great gates of
the castle were thrown open, and a huge giant
stalked forth, bearing-in his hand a knotted club
of steel. He immediately summoned them in a
voice of thunder to lay down their arms.

‘Yield, you caitiffs!’ said he, ‘or I will make you
food for the wolves and birds of prey. No one
comes here and escapes with his life so long as
I can wield my good club.’

‘Vain posters replied Valentine, ‘I scorn you

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